With the aim of dispelling any fear in first-time flyers and educating them about the mandatory security drill, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has recreated an airport experience at an international exhibition here.
The AAI, which manages 130 airports in the country, has replicated the security hold area by displaying a door frame metal detector, baggage scanning machine and explosive trace detector so that visitors get a taste of the security protocol followed at airports.
CISF personnel from the Indira Gandhi International Airport brief visitors on the procedure to be followed, take them through the drill, and explain how each of the machines work.
“ Hawai chappal waale log hawai jahaj mein safar karein [people in slippers should be able to travel in flights] has been the slogan of PM Narendra Modi. Our endeavour through this exhibition is to simulate the airport experience for these first-time flyers, so when they visit an airport they are neither nervous nor confused. We also hope that by learning about the importance of the security protocol they will be more co-operative, thereby, helping us enhance security at our airports,” Capt. Raj K Malik, GM, Security at AAI told The Hindu .
“After visiting this stall I will be better aware about what to wear and what to carry while taking a flight. Often people lose their temper at airports and enter into an argument with security personnel and ask why they are being singled out. This experience helps us understand that these are just mandatory requirements,” said Mitali Gulati, a visitor.
‘Builds confidence’
A CISF jawan at the expo said such drills help in building confidence among the people about the men in uniform who are an important interface at airports. “Often well-educated people breach security procedures and we have to be harsh with them. If they understand the importance of the security rules at the airport, we will also be able to perform our duties better,” said the jawan.
The AAI has also displayed a full-body scanner, which is yet to be introduced at Indian airports, to prepare people for airports of the future.
The stall has been set up as part of the 21st India International Security Expo held in Delhi from October 5-7.
